Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s, I was part of generation Americana. Despite being born in Milton Keynes General Hospital, I spent most of my childhood trying to recreate the American lifestyle within the confines of my Buckinghamshire home. I’d watch ‘Saved by the Bell’, ‘Clarissa Explains it All’ and ‘The Fresh Prince of Belair’ with intense scrutiny; obsessing over what they wore and ate. The idea of having meat loaf for dinner preoccupied me for at least two years. For my 10th birthday, I was given the game ‘Dream Phone’, which featured an oversized pink phone that played the semi-robotic voices of your supposed American sweetheart. I’d listen to ‘Brad’s’ voice on repeat, caught up in my own American dream. The US was for me, and perhaps most of my generation, a shiny and intoxicating place: a place of proms and fries; big homes and bigger hair.

I was desperate to visit.

Sadly, my family holidays tended to orbit two locations: northern France or Malaga, Spain. My parents seemed unaffected by my American fantasy, instead preferring to solemnly march us around the muddy trenches and war fields of Normandy. I remember one summer stood stoically in the rain, staring into a muddy WW1 trench, whilst my Dad quoted the morbid lines of a Siegfried Sassoon poem. That September, my friend returned to school after a holiday to Florida with some American theme park merchandise. I had a multi-coloured eraser from a gift shop we visited somewhere along the Somme.

As I’ve got older, I’ve clung on to my American dream –hoping that one day I’d make it to an American resort or theme park, to finally live out my fantasy. I’d eat hotdogs and ride rollercoasters, play in arcades and drink soda. Maybe I’d even meet Brad.

The waiting paid off. At the end of last year, we were contacted by Visit Florida and asked if we wanted to visit Universal Orlando Resort. We would be staying within the resort and would spend the week running around both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, the resort’s second park. I nearly had a stroke. Perhaps it was just good luck, or perhaps it was karma after a childhood spent drifting around war memorials, but I shall keep that email until my dying day. It goes without saying that we immediately agreed to the trip, and a few months later we were soon on our way.

Universal Studios, Florida, is Universal’s flagship park – its Mecca. Co-founded by Steven Spielberg, the park opened in 1990, just as my obsession with America began. Guests could enjoy the ‘ET’ ride, before getting drenched on the infamous ‘Jaws’ experience. It was a 1990s movie haven: a place of pink hair scrunchies, bum bags and ‘Back to the Future’ fans. 1990s Laura would have loved it. However, it’s now 2017 and although the park is no longer dominated by early 90s films, it is bigger and better than ever. The park has grown into a resort, featuring a second park – Islands of Adventure– and a host of luxury hotels, all a short water taxi ride away from the park gates. This isn’t a place to spend a rushed few hours, but somewhere to bring your suitcase and settle in for a week of rides, relaxation and incredible food.

Our journey to the resort from the airport was short, but memorable. After collecting our car from Hertz, we set off on our inaugural journey. All 15 miles of it. It was dark and raining as I veered onto Orlando’s highways, joining more lanes of traffic than I was comfortable with. Sitting a few centimetres away from the steering wheel and bolt upright, I maxed out at 40mph. Claire shouted directions. Eventually, we spotted the glittering sign of the Universal Orlando Resort and pulled in, driving down the long, palm tree lined boulevard towards our hotel. Although it was no longer raining, I couldn’t turn the windscreen wipers off, so we came to an abrupt halt outside the valet, windscreen wipers dramatically thumping and me, squashed between my chair and the steering wheel.

We had arrived.

First thing’s first: the accommodation. The hotels at Universal Orlando Resort are world-class. Offering five different hotels, each with its own distinct theme, the resort caters for guests ranging from families through to couples on romantic getaways (check out the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – it even features its very own moored fishing boats and parked vespers!) We were initially staying at Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel for a few nights, before moving to the infamous Hard Rock Hotel. As a hotel lover, I can genuinely say I loved both. Whilst Sapphire Falls is the resort’s newest hotel, with a relaxed Caribbean theme (the smell of mango in the air made my mouth water), Hard Rock channels a distinctly LA ‘villa’ vibe, with towering palm trees and the sound of cicadas filling the air. There’s even a quiet butterfly garden for guests to enjoy. These aren’t your usual theme park hotels, but beautifully kept and fashionable retreats. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, weeping willows and delicate flowers, it’s hard to imagine you’re only 10 minutes away from the screams of rollercoaster-goers and the resort’s 30,000 daily visitors.

Having survived the car journey, we were checked into our mango-scented room, with a view over the hotel’s enormous pool. However, this was eclipsed by the little bag of treats that Universal had left on our beds. These included the softest unicorn I’ve ever had the pleasure of hugging (remember, ‘He’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die’ from the Minions?); our very own wands (these would come in handy later on); and a Transformers water flask. If only 10 year old Laura, with her war-themed eraser, knew what was to come, hey?

Fresh from our flight, looking magnificently greasy and creased, we headed downstairs to the hotel’s Strong Water Tavern, to meet with Fi – the lucky lady who gets to work with Universal Studios every day of her working life. Over a Caribbean-inspired tapas, Fi explained the rest of the week to us. This would include two VIP tours of the park (read: no queues), some behind the scenes sneak-peaks; tickets to see the surreal, but incredible, Blue Man Show; and dinners along the Resort’s legendary CityWalk. Claire and I sat staring at Fi with our mouths open, unsure what to say or how to thank her. We were about to have the best week of our lives.*

(*These were Claire’s own words and she spent a week in Italy, getting married).

‘I’m too excited to sleep’, Claire yelled at 5am. Sat in her pajamas, her hair everywhere and clutching her unicorn, I decided that although we were both 30 years old, a week in the Universal Orlando Resort was the perfect time to be a big kid. I bounced out of bed immediately. After a huge breakfast (America, I salute you for offering doughnuts as a legitimate breakfast item) and having located our water taxi, we set off for our first day in the parks. It was a balmy 24 degrees and the sun was shining as we chugged gently down the turquoise river, towards the park gates. We could hear the music starting to build and caught sight of a bright green roller-coaster shoot its passengers high into the sky, before diving down behind the trees; their screams getting left behind. I was excited.

For the next two days, we would be with the lovely Fi and Rich – our official tour guide. Rich is perhaps one of the most brilliant people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting; able to recite every story line, narrative or poem relating to the Studio’s many featured films and books. He was our first insight into the philosophy behind Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Every theme park I’ve ever visited has been very similar: featuring a cluster of rides, fast-food joints and stationary queues. There’s no real narrative or history to tell, just a collection of fast roller-coasters and thrill seekers. Behind the rides and hamburgers, they all feel a little empty.

As Rich began to tell us the history of Universal Studios, pointing out its many hidden details, references and tributes, it was clear that these parks were much more than just a collection of flashy rides. They were entire worlds. Worlds crafted from the stories of our favourite heroes and villains. Worlds where detail is king; ensuring that the stories – from King Kong to the Cat in the Hat – step out from their books, or TV screens, and into our reality. They are immersive experiences – incredible places – that let you leave the real world for a while, and pretend for just a moment that wizards, witches, cartoon characters and super heroes really do exist.

Within our first morning, we had walked through 1920s New York; the scent of pizza wafting down the street and the Blues Brothers singing from the steps of a traditional red brick house. We had walked through Hollywood Boulevard, passed vintage cars and Marilyn Monroe signing autographs. A few minutes later and we had arrived in San Francisco, stood peacefully in the sunshine on a wooden peer; seagulls squawking overhead. Across the water sparkled Springfield, home to Moe’s Tavern and Krusty Burger. Up the road waited Harry Potter’s very own Diagon Alley; a crowded street of leaning shops filled with wands, wizarding goods and a fire-breathing dragon. Come the afternoon and we moved across to the second park: Islands of Adventure. Here we wandered the incredible worlds of the Lost Continent; Seuss Landing; Marvel Super Hero Island and of course: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade and Hogwarts).

With the turn of each corner we were bowled over by the detail, features and even the fragrances of each ‘world’. We hadn’t even ridden any rides yet.

As a child, I had a morbid fear of vomit. I was terrified of it. Irrationally, this also meant that I hated theme parks as I worried that they would cause everyone around me to be uncontrollably sick. Sadly for me, this prophecy came true. On an ill-fated trip to a theme park with the school, I watched in horror as the girl in front of me in a queue was sick on her shoe. The situation grew worse when I was seated behind her on the roller-coaster. As we set off on that ride, into that hot stuffy darkness, I knew what was to come.

However, now aged 30, and faced with some of the best rides in the world, I decided it was time to overcome my fear and try all the rides. Every single one. First up was one of the most adrenaline-charged rides I’ve ever ridden: the Hulk. Strapped in on the front row, the ride begins with a slow crawl upwards through a tunnel. I was happily chatting away to Claire when, out of the blue, we were launched out of the tunnel. The ride hit its fastest at 67mph, as we twisted through seven inversions and were launched through a lot of dry smoke. My mouth was still open from talking to Claire throughout the entire thing. When we came to a standstill, Claire said she couldn’t feel her face. We wobbled off, still dizzy from the G-force and laughing hysterically.

Following this was a blur of more rides. The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit was one of our favourites. It lets you choose your own song, then films a music video for you as you ride the roller-coaster (we chose ‘I Will Survive’ and the music video nearly made me suffocate, I laughed so hard). We also rode The Mummy twice (an indoor roller-coaster) and took our shoes off as we rode the Dragon Challenge ride in Hogsmeade; our feet flying through the air. The new King Kong Skull Island ride was also brilliant – using multi-dimensional and multi-sensory effects to transport you into Kong’s jungle, complete with dinosaurs and splatters of blood. Lastly, the Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls flume ride, with its 75 foot drop, was absolutely brilliant. Claire and I came out the other side with mascara dripping down our faces and squelching shoes. It was hilarious.

After our first day in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, we left completely spellbound. From Suess Landing, where, in honour of Dr. Seuss’ own books, there are no straight lines at all, to the incredible Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, being in the parks was like stepping into a film or a book. At one point, I witnessed a grown woman grab her young daughter and shout: ‘aren’t you just so excited you want to die’? Yes, that’s exactly how I felt. There was a magic in those parks that even adults couldn’t deny.

Leaving the park, the sun setting over the palm trees, we headed to dinner along CityWalk: the resort’s stretch of restaurants and bars. Here we had dinner at the ridiculously fun Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: a 19th century inspired steampunk chocolate factory. If you like sweet things, this is everything you’ve ever dreamed of. On the menu featured a red velvet milkshake, with its very own red velvet cupcake perched on top. I was in heaven. Other restaurants definitely worth trying are Cowfish – offering indecisive guests both burgers and sushi; Vivo – a delicious Italian restaurant; and Antojitos Authentic Mexican food – home to the best homemade tortillas in town ( I ate about 15 of them). The food available throughout the whole resort was exceptional, without a drooping hotdog in sight.

Dinner done and slightly delirious after a day of sunshine, magic and roller-coasters, Fi took us to CityWalk’s famous attraction: Rising Star. This karaoke bar features not only a live band, but backing singers – handy for drowning out your own dulcet tones. After some persuading and watching what felt like America’s Got Talent’s own contestants, Claire and I staggered up on stage, ready to wow the audience with of our rendition of Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’. As the host asked where we were from, we shouted ‘London!’, turning excitedly towards the audience, ready for their rapturous applause. Perhaps it was the adrenaline or the bright lights, but I didn’t hear anyone cheer. In fact, it was an apt moment for some tumbleweed to sweep across the stage. Undeterred, we launched into our song; reviving dance moves I’ve not sampled since a school disco c.1998. It was a noisy, brightly-lit blur. A few girls danced appreciatively in front of the stage and I did a lot of frenzied pointing at them. It was a surreal end, to a magical day.

Arriving back at our hotel, rapidly deleting any evidence of our stage debut, we met an older couple in the lift on the way up to our room. They asked if it was our first time at Universal and explained that they were annual pass holders; visiting at least three times a year. I asked why they kept coming back. ‘Well’, the man explained, ‘there’s real life and then there’s Universal life. Which one would you choose?’ I couldn’t fault his logic.

I was also a child of the Saved by the Bell era and totally obsessed with all things American! A visit to Universal Studios looks so much fun, I also loved Back to the Future when I was younger so I’d love that retro eighties thing. Good on you for doing the rollercoasters, I’m scared of them too but because I’m scared of heights. I don’t think you’d get me on one of them to be honest! This post has definitely made me want to visit though.

Having visited Orlando in my early teens, I can totally agree about the fascination about it being the dream holiday. Saved by the Bell was definitely one of my favourite shows too. Screech was my definitely my favourite character. You’re both braver than me for riding the rollercoasters. I’ve never actually been on one in my life! Looks like you both had a great time though. Getting good flash back memories whilst reading through!

Aw ladies you’ve got me so excited for September when me and Ella (12) go for the first time. She’s already counting down the days!
Ps when are they opening a ‘saved by the bell’ ride? Kelly is my hero

This sounds incredible! I’ve been looking forward to these posts since I saw your photos on Instagram. I’m not a roller-coaster fan (so well done for giving them a go!) and as such have tended to steer clear of theme parks. However this looks amazing and I would particularly love to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Looking forward to the next few posts!

Oh yes, you can totally go and have an amazing time without strapping yourself into a single rollercoaster! Just exploring all the details of each park is magical enough. It’s nothing like your standard ‘theme park’. The Harry Potter post will be going up next Thursday xx

I was a fan of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air too! This whole week sounds amazing, I love the sound of the VIP tours and what a treat to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We absolutely loved our recent Florida trip, we weren’t too far away from you two!

Girls I was enjoying catching all your pics going up over the past couple of weeks and thoroughly enjoyed that post , it does sound amazing you now have us currently planning our family holiday for thelostboys for when coop turns 5( got a lil while to plan and save 😉 I want to go now , it sounds magical.
Look forward to hearing more about it when I see you in the salon x

Oh, you’ve so brought Universal to life here! I can’t WAIT to visit with my children when they’re older; I also spent my childhood learning about war on Brittany beaches and though we made it to Florida by the time I was 14 I bet it would be even more magical now.